Aerobic activities before school can help control symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children, a new study has found.
Michigan State University and University of Vermont researchers say that at-risk children, who are given aerobic exercises before classes, tend to have better attention levels and are less disruptive than other children with ADHD. The study shows that exercise can be an easy way to manage some symptoms of ADHD.
Children with ADHD have problems paying attention, controlling their behavior and are overtly active. Around one in ten children in the U.S. has ADHD. There is no cure for the condition, but it can be controlled via medication.
The research has shown that quick bouts of physical activity before school help children improve their math and reading scores. Also, children who play have lower levels of depression than their peers.
"Early studies suggest that physical activity can have a positive effect on children who suffer from ADHD," said Alan Smith, chairperson of MSU's Department of Kinesiology, according to a news release.
The study included 200 early elementary school students ranging from kindergarten to second grade. Some children in the study exhibited ADHD symptoms while others did not. The trial lasted for about 12 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned into different groups; one group had to complete a routine of vigorous physical activity while another group was given moderate exercise routine. A control group in the study was asked to do more sedentary classroom-type activities.
"Although our findings indicated that all participants showed improvements, children with ADHD risk receiving exercise benefited across a broader range of outcomes than those receiving the sedentary activities," Smith said in a news release.
Betsy Hoza, a psychologist from the University of Vermont also worked on the current study. The research is published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology.